Coronavirus live news: Madrid lockdown looms; 34m jobs lost in Latin America

Northern Ireland’s cumulative cases per 100,000 double in a week; Neanderthal genes increase risk of serious Covid-19, study claims; Russia places huge bet on Covid vaccine. Follow the latest updates34m jobs lost in Latin AmericaMadrid lockdown loomsGermans embrace fresh air to tackle coronavirusIsrael bans mass protests as Covid lockdown tightensSee all our coronavirus coverage 2.46am BST American Airlines and United Airlines, two of the largest US carriers, said they were beginning furloughs of over 32,000 workers on Thursday as hopes faded for a last-minute bailout from Washington, Reuters reports. Both airlines told employees, however, in memos seen by Reuters on Wednesday that they stood ready to reverse the furloughs, which affect about 13% of their workforces before the pandemic, if a deal was reached.Tens of thousands of other employees at those airlines and others including Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines have accepted buyouts or leaves of absence aimed at reducing headcount as carriers battle a health crisis that has upended the global travel industry.US airlines have been pleading for another $25 billion in payroll support to protect jobs for a further six months once the current package, which banned furloughs, expires at midnight EDT. 2.09am BST Police in Canada have charged dozens of people and seized millions in assets after discovering that a sprawling mansion north of Toronto was thriving as a underground gambling den while legal casinos were shuttered due to the coronavirus lockdown.York region police announced 74 charges on Wednesday connected to a months-long investigation into illegal gambling operations in Ontario. As well as making 29 arrests, police seized more than $10m in assets, firearms, cash and high-end liquor: Related: Canada cops crash covert Covid casino Continue reading…
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